What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed in your jaw to facilitate the permanent replacement of a missing tooth or teeth. A dental implant designed to replace a single tooth is composed of three parts: the titanium implant that fuses with the jawbone; the abutment, which fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line; and the crown, which is created by a prosthodontist or restorative dentist and fitted onto the abutment for a natural appearance. Implants can be used to replace individually missing teeth, or as permanent anchors for partial or complete dentures. Dr. Garrison and Dr. Partridge will work closely with your restorative dentist to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
Dental Implant Treatment Process
A successful implant requires that all parties involved — you, the patient; the restorative dentist, who makes the crown for the implant; and Dr. Garrison or Dr. Partridge, who surgically places the implant, follow a careful plan of treatment. All members of the implant team stay in close contact with each other to make sure everyone clearly understands what needs to be done to meet your expectations.
Once the treatment plan has been determined, Dr. Garrison or Dr. Partridge will surgically place the implant in your jaw. In many cases the implant will be given time to stabilize and integrate with your jaw prior to the final crown being placed. Occasionally a temporary crown can be placed the same day as the implant for aesthetic purposes, however you cannot actively use it for chewing until the implant has had time to stabilize and the final crown is placed. Your restorative dentist will take impressions and place the final crown once the implant has fully healed.
Dental Implant Care and Brushing
Dental implants look and function just like normal teeth - they should also be cared for like normal teeth! It is very important to realize that anything that can happen to a natural tooth can happen to an implant when it comes to gum disease and bone loss. Good oral hygiene is essential to the success of your implant.
Guided Implant Surgery
For more complicated implant procedures, we are proud to offer the latest technology in guided implant surgery with Simplant 3D implant planning software. Using a CT scan of your mouth, virtual implants can be placed with pinpoint accuracy, allowing important vital structures such as nerves and sinuses to be visualized and avoided.
Once the implants are planned, custom surgical guides are manufactured to the exact contours of your mouth and the implant positions desired. These guides ensure that the implants are surgically placed exactly where they were planned. After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Dr. Garrison or Dr. Partridge will uncover the implants and attach small posts which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.